CVE-2023-28832 in SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7 CC712 (All versions >= V2.0 = V2.0 < V2.1). The web based management of affected devices does not properly validate user input, making it susceptible to command injection. This could allow an authenticated privileged remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-28832 affects SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7 CC712 devices running firmware versions from V2.0 through but not including V2.1. This represents a critical security flaw in industrial networking equipment manufactured by Siemens, specifically targeting the web-based management interface of these industrial communication devices. The affected system serves as a bridge between industrial environments and cloud services, making it a crucial component in industrial internet of things deployments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the device's web management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's administrative functions.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability within the device's web management interface, where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the underlying system. This weakness allows an authenticated attacker with privileged access to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with root privileges on the target system. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-77, which specifically addresses situations where user-supplied data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with administrative privileges, but the impact is severe as the execution occurs with the highest level of system privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise and unauthorized access to connected industrial networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected industrial communication device. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to modify network configurations, intercept industrial communications, or establish persistent backdoors within industrial environments. The implications are particularly concerning in industrial control systems where these devices often serve as critical communication bridges between operational technology and information technology domains. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in manufacturing environments, process control systems, and other industrial settings where network security is paramount. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers could use this to establish initial access and then escalate privileges to gain full system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28832 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Siemens to address the input validation flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, while also enforcing strict authentication controls and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The principle of least privilege should be applied to administrative accounts, ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to the web management interface. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems and maintain updated incident response procedures specifically tailored for industrial cybersecurity incidents. The affected devices should be isolated from critical network segments until the vulnerability is fully remediated through official firmware updates provided by Siemens.